State assures high court of proper housing for rescued exotic species

Guwahati: State govt has assured Gauhati high court of proper housing for rescued exotic species at the Assam State Zoo.

This came following a PIL praying the court to issue directions for strict compliance on every parameter of the “Guidelines on Minimum Dimensions of Enclosures for Housing Exotic Animals of Different Species” in letter and spirit within a fixed time-frame.

The divisional forest officer, Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden, submitted before the court that a decision has been taken at the governmental level for an overhaul of the zoos located in the state.

A work order has been issued by the Public Works Department (Building) for modernisation of the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden at over Rs 345 crore, which is expected to be completed by Nov 29, 2026.

Forest department standing counsel D Gogoi told the court that the project in question is aimed at modernising and improving the overall infrastructure for animals, staff and visitors.

“In the said project, the specifications of the enclosures are also being subjected to a major overhaul, keeping in view the guidelines issued by the Central Zoo Authority under the recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009,” he told the court.

The court noted that with respect to the housing of exotic animals in crammed spaces, the affidavit filed by the forest department indicates that the state zoo serves as a rescue and rehabilitation centre for wild animals in distress, especially the exotic animals rescued from smuggling attempts. These exotic animals are kept in rescue chambers for their ultimate rehabilitation or permanent shelter.

“With this assurance, this court is satisfied that the issue raised by the petitioner has been taken care of,” the court added.

However, the court allowed the petitioner to revive the case if it found that guidelines are not being adhered to.